Convertible sliding top

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a convertible sliding top assembly for use with a vehicle. The convertible sliding top assembly can create an opening on the top of the vehicle by rotating a plurality of arms and folding over a soft cover. The assembly can be designed and shaped to improve aerodynamics when the vehicle is moving and prevent the buildup of water on the soft cover.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure is generally related to vehicle tops and relatedmethods with specific discussions on vehicle tops that can fold toexpose an opening along the top of the vehicle and related methods.

Description of the Related Art

Convertible vehicle tops are configured for retracting or folding toallow drivers the pleasure of driving with the top down. A typicalconvertible top can be retracted automatically with the push of a buttonor manually when the car is parked. The typical convertible top isfolded upon itself and stowed away at the rear of the vehicle to exposethe entire vehicle top.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a folding top assembly for coveringan opening of a vehicle, the folding top assembly comprising a foldingframe assembly and a cover attached to the folding frame assembly andthe vehicle, the folding frame assembly comprising a frame supportattached adjacent the opening of the vehicle, a rear link rotatablycoupled to the frame support, a front link rotatably coupled to theframe support proximal of the rear link, and a center link assemblyrotatably coupled to both the rear link and the front link, the centerlink assembly is movable between a closed position and an open position,wherein in the open position, the opening is exposed and the cover foldsupon itself; in the closed position, the opening is covered.

Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for using a foldingtop assembly covering an opening of a vehicle, the method comprisingunlatching the folding top assembly, pressing the folding top assemblyupwards, and moving the folding top assembly backwards to expose theopening.

Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a movable top assembly forcovering the top of a vehicle comprising a frame structure coupled to avehicle, a cover configured to attach to the frame structure and atleast partially cover the vehicle, wherein the cover and frame areconfigured to move to a plurality of different positions to exposedifferent portions of the vehicle.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a folding top assembly for coveringan opening of a vehicle, the folding top assembly comprising a foldingframe assembly and a cover attached to the folding frame assembly andthe vehicle, the folding frame assembly comprising a frame supportincluding a base, a rear link rotatably coupled to the frame support, afront link rotatably coupled to the frame support proximal of the rearlink, and a cover support extending from adjacent a first side of thecover to adjacent a second side of the cover and rotatably coupled toboth the rear link and the front link, the cover support is movablebetween a closed position and an open position, wherein in the openposition, the opening is exposed and the cover folds upon itself, andwherein in the closed position, the opening is covered.

In some embodiments, the cover support can be sloped downwards from backto front in the open position. In some embodiments, the rear link cancomprise a pair of rotatable arms and the front link comprises a pair ofrotatable arms. In some embodiments, the folding frame assembly cancomprise a parallelogram linkage.

In some embodiments, the front link can pivot about on an axis a shorterdistance from the base than a distance between an axis about which therear link pivots and the base. In some embodiments, the cover supportcan comprise a single-piece bar configured to form the front and sideperimeters of the folding frame assembly. In some embodiments, thesingle-piece bar can be bowed on both the front perimeter and sideperimeters. In some embodiments, the assembly can further comprise apair of cover attachment components connected to the side perimeters ofthe single-piece bar, the cover attachment components each having achannel configured to retain a portion of the cover.

Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for using a soft coverand folding top assembly covering an opening of a vehicle, the methodcomprising unlatching the folding top assembly comprising a framesupport attached adjacent the opening of the vehicle, a rear linkrotatably coupled to the frame support, a front link rotatably coupledto the frame support proximal of the rear link, and a cover supportassembly rotatably coupled to both the rear link and the front link, thecenter link assembly being movable between a closed position and an openposition, pressing the folding top assembly upwards, and moving thefolding top assembly backwards to expose the opening and fold the softcover upon itself.

In some embodiments, the cover support can be sloped downwards from backto front in the open position. In some embodiments, the rear link cancomprise a pair of rotatable arms and the front link comprises a pair ofrotatable arms. In some embodiments, the folding frame assembly cancomprise a parallelogram linkage.

In some embodiments, the front link can pivot about on an axis a shorterdistance from the base than a distance between an axis about which therear link pivots and the base. In some embodiments, the cover supportcan comprise a single-piece bar configured to form the front and sideperimeters of the folding frame assembly.

In some embodiments, the single-piece bar can be bowed on both the frontperimeter and side perimeters. In some embodiments, the assembly canfurther comprise a pair of cover attachment components connected to theside perimeters of the single-piece bar, the cover attachment componentseach having a channel configured to retain a portion of the cover.

Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a foldable soft cover assemblyfor use on a vehicle, the assembly comprising a first pair of arms, asecond pair of arms, a pair of base platforms defining a surface to facethe vehicle, each of the pair of base platforms rotatably attached toone of the first pair of arms and one of the second pair of arms, and atop assembly rotatably connected to the first pair of arms and thesecond pair of arms and a soft cover, wherein the top platform isconfigured to rotate between an open and closed position, wherein theassembly comprises a parallelogram linkage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present devices, systems,and methods will become appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood with reference to the specification, claims and appendeddrawings wherein:

FIG. 1A shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a folding topassembly in an open position assembled on a vehicle, the folding topassembly including a folding frame assembly and a cover;

FIG. 1B shows a rear perspective view of the folding top assembly ofFIG. 1A on the vehicle;

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the folding top assembly in aclosed position on the vehicle;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the folding top assembly in an intermediateposition on the vehicle;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the folding frame assembly in theintermediate position;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the folding frame assembly in the closedposition;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the folding frame assembly in the openposition;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the folding frameassembly in an intermediate position;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the folding frameassembly in a closed position;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the folding frameassembly in the open position;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the folding frame assembly in theopen position but shown from a different aspect;

FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view of circled portion 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows an enlarged view of circled portion 12-12 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 shows an assembled view of the folding top assembly on thevehicle in the closed position with the folding top assembly unlatchedto the vehicle.

FIG. 14 shows an assembled view of the folding top assembly on thevehicle in the closed position with the folding top assembly latched tothe vehicle.

FIG. 15 is similar to FIG. 13 but shown with an embodiment of thelatching bracket in an unlatched state.

FIG. 16 shows a side view of the latching engagement of FIG. 15 in theunlatched state.

FIG. 17 shows a side view of the latching engagement of FIG. 15 but in alatched state.

FIG. 18 shows a side view of an embodiment of a folding frame assemblyin the intermediate position;

FIG. 19 shows a side view of the folding frame assembly in the closedposition;

FIG. 20 shows a side view of the folding frame assembly in the openposition;

FIG. 21A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the folding frameassembly in an intermediate position;

FIG. 21B shows an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of thefolding frame assembly in an intermediate position;

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the folding frameassembly in a closed position;

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the folding frameassembly in the open position;

FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of the folding frame assembly in theopen position but shown from a different aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of embodiments of folding topsprovided in accordance with aspects of the present devices, systems, andmethods and is not intended to represent the only forms in which thepresent devices, systems, and methods may be constructed or utilized.The description sets forth the features and the steps for constructingand using the embodiments of the present devices, systems, and methodsin connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood,however, that the same or equivalent functions and structures may beaccomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to beencompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Asdenoted elsewhere herein, like element numbers are intended to indicatelike or similar elements or features.

FIGS. 1A-3 illustrate three different positions of one embodiment of afolding top assembly 10 assembled on a vehicle 100, such as a JeepWrangler, though the particular vehicle does not limit the disclosure.The folding top assembly 10 can be quickly and conveniently installed ona roof or opening 12 of the vehicle 100, such as to the roll bar of thevehicle, as an original convertible top or a replacement top without theneed for additional bows or support hardware. In the illustratedembodiment, the folding top 10 fits snugly over an original equipmentfactory roll bar of the vehicle 100. Further, reference to the wordsfront, rear, left, and right are understood to be based on positions ofa vehicle, such as front, rear, left, and right side of the vehicle.

FIGS. 1A and 1B shows the folding top assembly 10 in an open or exposedposition, with the folding top assembly 10 partially folded over uponitself to expose the opening 12, which is smaller in dimension or sizecompared to the total top surface of the vehicle 100 and may be called asunroof opening or moonroof opening 12. The open position describedabove and shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B can be a different configuration thanthe entire folding top assembly 10 folded and tucked away to expose theentire top of the vehicle. As the top assembly 10 is only partiallyopened, or partially folded, the folded section exposes the opening 12of the vehicle 100 similar to that of a sunroof or moonroof while therear part of the vehicle is in a covered state and covered by the rearpart of the soft top assembly 10. This folding capability provides thedriver and passengers of the vehicle 100 having the soft top 10 with asemi-open environment of a sunroof or moonroof. Previously, the driverof the vehicle 100 is presented with only two options, either a fullyenclosed soft top or a soft top that is completely folded and tuckedaway to expose substantially the entire top area of the vehicle. In thisopen position configuration of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the vehicle 100 can bedriven safely while providing the driver and his passengers with theopen experience of a convertible top.

As shown, the folding top assembly 10 can include at least a soft cover15 and a folding frame assembly 17. The soft cover 15 is folded over thefolding frame assembly 17 and the top of the vehicle 100. The term“soft” in soft cover is understood to mean a cover that is bendableand/or foldable. A hard cover would imply that the cover is not foldableand/or bendable along the cover itself, unless folded along partingjoints or seams. In some embodiments, the soft cover 15 is made fromconventional materials, such as plastic or canvas as an example.

FIG. 2 shows the folding top assembly 10 in a closed or coveredposition, with the folding top assembly 10 completely covering the topof the vehicle 100 and only the soft cover 15 is shown in an extended orcovered state. In this position, a leading portion 19 of the folding topassembly 10 can be latched (or otherwise attached) to the vehicle 100 tomaintain the folding top assembly 10 in the closed position, as furtherdiscussed below.

FIG. 3 shows the folding top assembly 10 in an intermediate position inwhich the folding top assembly 10 is either in the process oftransitioning from the open position of FIGS. 1A and 1B to the closedposition of FIG. 2, or vice versa. In one example, from the closedposition of FIG. 2, a front portion 16A of the folding top assembly 10,which may also be referred to as the convertible portion or the movableportion, can be manually pushed upwards and then rearwards by a user,such as a driver or passenger of the vehicle 100, to an intermediateposition between the open position of FIGS. 1A and 1B and the closedposition of FIG. 2. At a certain transition point in the intermediateposition, a folding portion 16B of the folding top assembly 10, adjacentthe front portion 16A, folds back under the weight of the front portion16A and/or the momentum of the front portion 16A of the folding topassembly 10. That is, at the transition point, the user no longer needsto apply a force to the front portion 16A of the folding top assembly 10to bring the folding top assembly 10 to the open position. The backportion 16C of the folding top assembly is adjacent to the foldingportion 16B and attached to the vehicle 100. In one example, the backportion 16C has adjustable straps 11 (FIG. 1B) that extend from oppositecorners of the back portion 16C to strap the back portion to the vehicle100. The adjustable straps 11 can be tightened to increase tension inthe soft cover 15 to make the soft cover taut over the opening 12 of thevehicle 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a folding frame assembly 17 usableto move or fold portions of the soft cover 15 from a closed position toan intermediate position and to an open position, and for moving thesoft cover in the reverse direction, as shown in FIGS. 1A-3. As shown inFIG. 4, the folding frame assembly 17 is in an intermediate position,similar to that shown in FIG. 3. The folding frame assembly 17 includesa frame bracket comprising two frame supports 20, a pair of rear links30 rotatably coupled to the two frame supports 20, a pair of front links40 also rotatably coupled to the two frame supports 20 but closer to thefront of the vehicle 100 than the rear links 30, and a center linkassembly 18 rotatably coupled to the front links 40 and the rear links30. The two front links 40 and the two rear links 30 are mounted to thetwo frame supports 20, respectively, as shown in FIG. 7, to then mounton the left and right side of the vehicle. The movement of the foldingframe assembly 17 is a four bar linkage mechanism movement, such as aparallelogram linkage. The soft cover 15 can be attached to a firstpivot region between the rear link 30 and the center link assembly 18and a second pivot region between the rear link 30 and the frame support20.

FIG. 5 illustrates the folding frame assembly 17 in the closed position,similar to that shown in FIG. 2, with the center link assembly 18 movedto a forward position or towards the front of the vehicle 100 to coverthe sunroof opening 12 of the vehicle 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates the folding frame assembly 17 in the open position,similar to that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, with the center link assembly18 moved to a rear position or away from the front of the vehicle andtowards the rear of the vehicle to expose the sunroof opening 12 of thevehicle 100. Because the soft cover 15 is attached at the pivot regions,the folding portion 16B, defined between the first and second pivotregions, can be folded neatly with the folding frame assembly 17, withthe front portion 16A positioned above the folding portion 16B.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the two frame supports 20 are attached to a rearlink 30 and a front link 40. The two separate frame supports 20 areconfigured to attach to the vehicle 100, preferably the left and rightside of the top of the vehicle 100. In the illustrated embodiment, thetwo separate frame supports 20 are configured to attach to oppositesides, as opposed to front and rear, of the sunroof opening 12 of thevehicle 100, with each frame support 20 extending in the forward and aftdirection of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the frame supports 20are symmetrically identical to each other. Each frame support 20 has abase 21, an aft tab 25, and a forward tab 27 extending from the base 21.The base 21 has a plurality of mounting holes 23 to firmly secure theframe support 20 to the vehicle 100, such as by using screws orfasteners. The mounting holes 23 are sized and located to correspondwith mounting holes on the vehicle 100. The shape of the base 21 shouldnot interfere with the function of other components of the vehicle 100or the user. The pair of frame supports 20 are mounted on opposite sidesof the top of the vehicle 100 adjacent the driver and passenger doorframe, respectively. The aft and forward tabs 25, 27 extend upwardly,preferably substantially perpendicularly away from the mounting surfaceof the base 21. The aft and forward tabs 25, 27 each define a hole 26,28, respectively, which can be slots. The aft tab 25 is rotatablycoupled to the rear link 30, and the forward tab 27 is rotatably coupledto the front link 50. The aft and forward tabs 25, 27 are also staggeredhorizontally or side to side so that the rear links 30 and the frontlink 40 do not interfere with each other when the folding top assembly10 is in either the open position or closed position. In one example,the rear links 30 sit inside the front links 40 when in the closedposition and open position to prevent interference when moving from oneposition to another. In another example, the rear links 30 sit outsidethe front links 40. The aft tabs 25 can be located inside of the forwardtabs 27, or outside of the forward tabs 27. The forward and aft tabs 25,27 can be formed by punching the tabs from the base 21 and bending thetabs upwards.

The rear link 30 is rotatably coupled to a corresponding frame support20 at a first end 31 of the rear link 30. In the illustrated embodiment,the first end 31 of the rear link 30 is rotatably coupled to the aft tab25. The first end 31 defines a hole 32 corresponding to the hole 26 ofthe aft tab 25. A fastener or rod extends through the hole 32 of thefirst end 31 of the rear link 30 and the hole 26 of the aft tab 25, sothat the rear link 30 is pivotable about the fastener. The rear link 30is also rotatably coupled to the center link assembly 18 at a second end33 of the rear link 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 33forms a collar 34 rotatably coupled to center link assembly 80. Thecollar 34 can also be a separate piece fixed to the second end 33 of therear link 30 with a set screw 36 to firmly fix the collar 34 to the rearlink 30. The collar 34 defines a hole 35 to receive a rod or bar, suchas the aft bar 60, and rotate around the rod or bar. In anotherembodiment, an insert, such as a plastic ring or ball bearing, can beformed or disposed in the hole 35 of the collar 34 to provide a tighterfit and smooth rotation between the hole 35 and the rod or bar rotatinginside the hole 35. It is understood that the first end 31 of the rearlink 30 can also have a collar 34 to rotate around the rod or fastener.

The front link 40 is rotatably coupled to the corresponding framesupport 20 at a first end 41 of the front link 40. In the illustratedembodiment, the first end 41 of the front link 40 is rotatably coupledto the forward tab 27. The first end 41 defines a hole 42 correspondingto the hole 28 of the forward tab 27. A fastener or rod extends throughthe hole 42 of the first end 41 of the front link 40 and the hole 28 ofthe forward tab 27, so that the front link 40 is pivotable about thefastener. It is understood that the first end 41 of the front link 40can also have a collar 34 to rotate around the rod or fastener. Thefront link 40 is also rotatably coupled to the center link assembly 18at a second end 43 of the front link 40. In the illustrated embodiment,the front link 40 is a U-shaped bar with the second ends 43 connected bya horizontal link 45. The horizontal link 45 is rounded or tubular. Inother embodiments, the front link 40 is substantially similar to therear link 30, and the horizontal link 45 can be rotatably coupled to thefront link 40 or fixed to the front link 40.

The center link assembly 18 is rotatably coupled to the rear and frontlinks 30, 40. The center link assembly 18 is configured to support thefront portion 16A. A leading edge of the front portion 16A is secured toa front end of the center link assembly 18, and the folding portion 16Bcan be secured to a back end of the center link assembly 18. In theillustrated embodiment, the center link assembly 18 includes a frontattachment bar 50, an aft bar 60, a pair of crosslinks 70, a pair ofouter links 80, and a center attachment 90.

The front attachment bar 50 is configured to engage and latch to thevehicle 100 at the closed position. The soft cover 15 can be wrappedaround a nose or leading edge of the front attachment bar 50 andattached to the front attachment bar 50 or to itself underneath the softcover 15, using buttons, snaps, Velcro, zippers, or other securingmeans. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of attachment mounts 52attached to the attachment bar 50 and spaced apart adjacent to thesecond ends 43 of the front link 40 to provide a more stable structure.A front end 53 of the attachment mount 52 is fixed to the frontattachment bar 50 by fasteners, tack welding, or other fixing means.Alternatively, the attachment mounts can be integrally formed with thefront attachment bar 50. A back end 54 of the attachment mount 52 formsa grip 55 around the horizontal link 45. An internal diameter of thegrip 55 and an outer diameter of the horizontal link 45 can be closelymatched to minimize wiggle room between the grip 55 and the horizontallink 45 and provide a smooth rotation. In another embodiment, an insert,such as a plastic ring or ball bearing, between the grip 55 andhorizontal link 45 interface can provide a tighter fit and smoothrotation between the grip 55 and the horizontal link 45. In yet anotherembodiment, the attachment mount 52 is two separate pieces fastenedtogether to form the attachment mount 52.

The aft bar 60 is substantially parallel to the horizontal link 45 toprevent binding when the folding frame assembly 17 moves from the opento the closed position and vice versa. The aft bar 60 is coupled to thefront attachment bar 50 by crosslinks 70, outer links 80, and/or acenter attachment 90. The aft bar 60 is preferably rounded and slipsthrough the collars 34 of the rear links 30 and attach to outer links 80at opposite ends 61 of the aft bar 60. Thus, the second ends 33 of therear links 30 rotate about the aft bar 60. The aft bar 60 can be bent atvarious locations to help define the contour of the folding top assembly10.

In other embodiments, if the front links 40 are substantially similar indesign and overall shape as the rear links 30, then the horizontal link45 can be fixed with the center link assembly 18, similar to the aft bar60, and the front links 30 would then rotate around the horizontal link45.

An anchor 65 is attached and fixed at the ends 61 of the aft bar 60. Theanchor 65 is configured for engaging with a recess or lip on the vehicle100 to aid in maintaining the folding top assembly 10 in the closedposition. The anchor 65 can also help pull the soft cover 15 of thefolding top assembly 10 towards the opposite sides of the vehicle 100thereby increasing tension or tautness of the soft cover 15. In oneembodiment, one or more U-shaped clamps 66 clamp onto the end 61 of theaft bar 60 to fix the anchor 65 to the aft bar 60. In the illustratedembodiment, the anchor 65 is an L-shaped plate with four through holes62 to tighten the U-shaped clamps 66 onto the aft bar 60. The L-shapedplate extends towards the vehicle 100 and helps seat the folding frameassembly 10 to the vehicle 100.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7, the crosslinks 70 are disposedadjacent and inside the attachment mounts 52. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 10, the crosslinks 70 are disposed adjacent theattachment mounts 52, but outside the attachment mounts 52. Thecrosslinks 70 have a first end 71 and a second end 72 thereof. Thecrosslinks 70 have collars 34 on both the first end 71 and the secondend 72 or only on the end where rotation is necessary. The first end 71of the crosslink 70 is rotatably coupled to the horizontal link 45 ofthe front link 40. The second end 72 of the crosslink 70 is rotatablycoupled or preferably fixed to the aft bar 60 to prevent the crosslink70 from sliding horizontally along the horizontal link 45 and the aftbar 60. Additionally, fixing the second end 72 of the crosslink 70 tothe aft bar 60 can also help prevent the front attachment bar 50 fromsliding left to right along the horizontal link 45. A lock collar 77 canbe installed on the horizontal link 45 adjacent the attachment mounts 52or the crosslinks 70 to prevent the front attachment bar 50 orcrosslinks 70 from sliding in a horizontal direction along thehorizontal link 45.

Each crosslink 70 couples the horizontal link 45 to the aft bar 60. Inone embodiment, the crosslink has collars 34 formed at a first end 71and a second opposite end 72. The aft bar 60 slips through both collars34 at the first ends 71 of the two crosslinks 70. The horizontal link 45slips through both collars 34 at the second ends of the two crosslinks70. Preferably, the collars 34 at the second ends abut against the grip55 of the front attachment bar 50 to prevent the front attachment bar 50from shifting side to side, thereby securing the front attachment bar 50to only rotate with no translation normal to rotation. The crosslinks 70can be attached outside or inside the grip 55 of the front attachmentbar 50.

The outer links 80 couple ends of the front attachment bar 50 to ends ofthe aft bar 60. The front attachment bar 50 is fixed to first ends 81 ofthe outer links 80, and the aft bar is fixed to second ends 82 of theouter links 80 to form a rigid structure. In one example, the frontattachment bar 50 can have a plurality of slot or through holes 51 atopposite ends of the front attachment bar 50 corresponding with holes 83at the first end 81 of the outer link 80. Fasteners can pass through thethrough holes 51 of the front attachment bar 50 and the holes to fix thefront attachment bar 50 to the outer links 80. In another example, theends 61 of the aft bar 60 have through holes 62 corresponding withtapped holes 84 in second ends 82 of the outer link 80. Fasteners passthrough the through holes 62 of the aft bar and threadingly engage withthe tapped holes 84 in the outer link 80 to fix the aft bar 60 to theouter links 80.

A center attachment 90 couples the front attachment bar 50 to the aftbar 60. In the illustrated embodiment, a first end 91 of the centerattachment 90 is fixed to the aft bar 60 and a second end 92 of thecenter attachment 90 is fixed to the front attachment bar 50. Aplurality of first holes 93 are defined in the first end 91 of thecenter attachment 90 and aligned with corresponding holes in the aft bar60. A plurality of second holes 94 are defined in the second end 92 ofthe center attachment 90 and aligned with corresponding holes in thefront attachment bar 50. Fasteners pass through the first and secondholes 93, 94 to fix the first and second ends 91, 92 of the centerattachment 90 to the aft bar 60 and the front attachment bar 50.

Referring to FIG. 10, a grip assembly 95 is mounted beneath the centerattachment 90. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 11, the gripassembly 95 includes a first handle 96 and a second handle 97 extendingfrom the center attachment 50. The first handle 96 is attached to acenter portion of the center attachment 50 by fasteners through mountingholes of the first handle into the center attachment 50. The firsthandle 96 is configured for a user to facilitate pushing the frontportion 16A of the folding top assembly 10 upwards and backwards towardsthe rear of the vehicle 100, from a closed position to an open position.The second handle 97 is located adjacent to the second end of the centerattachment 50 or the front of the vehicle 100. The second handle 97 isconfigured for the user to reach behind and pull the second handle 97 tobring the front portion 16A from the open position back into the closedposition. An overpass 98 in the grip assembly 95 extends from the firsthandle 96 around the horizontal link 45 and connects to the secondhandle 97. Thus, the first handle 96 and the second handle 97 can beintegrally formed as one piece.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a latching bracket 56 is attached orfastened to the attachment mount 52 to provide engagement with a latch101 mounted on the vehicle 100 to lock the folding top assembly 10 inthe closed position. The latch 101 has a mounting base 105 with mountingholes 106, an engaging piece 102 which engages with the latching bracket56, and a locking bar 104 which locks the engaging piece 102 with thelatching bracket 56 to firmly hold the leading portion 19 of the foldingtop assembly 10 to the vehicle 100. The mounting holes 106 align withpre-existing tapped holes in the vehicle 100 prior to mounting the latch101 with threaded fasteners. In the illustrated embodiment, the latchingbracket 56 is U-shaped and has an interior cavity or recess 57cooperatively formed by the latching bracket 56 and a surface of thefront end 53 of the attachment mount 52. The engaging piece 102 has anadjustable hook 103 receivable in the recess 57. In one example, theadjustable hook 103 has a hook on one end and an opposite threaded endthreadedly engaged with a threaded hole in a base 107 of the engagingpiece 102 to provide adjustment along the axis of the adjustable hook103. To engage in the recess, the adjustable hook 103 is directedslightly above and towards the recess 57 until the hook of theadjustable hook 103 is caught in the recess 57. If the adjustable hook103 is too short so as to be unable to engage in the recess 57 to securethe front portion of the folding top assembly 10 to the vehicle 100, thelength of the adjustable hook 103 can be increased by turning thethreaded end with respect to the threaded hole in the base 107 to adjustthe length. Similarly if there is too much slack because the length ofthe adjustable hook 103 is too long, the length of the adjustable hook103 can be decreased until a suitable length is achieved. The pitch ofthe threaded end of the adjustable hook 103 determines the degree oflength adjustment and correspondingly the amount of force the foldingtop assembly 10 is held to the vehicle 100. Furthermore, if additionallength of the adjustable hook 103 is needed to engage in the recess 57of the bracket 56, the user can pull on either the first handle 96 orthe second handle 97 until the adjustable hook 103 can engage in therecess 57 of the bracket 56.

Referring to FIG. 14, when the adjustable hook 103 is engaged in therecess 57, the locking bar 104 is pressed towards the engaging piece 102to tighten the engagement between the engaging piece 102 and thelatching bracket 56 as well as covering the engagement for a cleanappearance. The folding top assembly 10 is now in the closed positionand firmly secured to the vehicle 100. To retract the folding topassembly 10 into the open position, the locking bar 104 is pulled opento reveal and remove the engagement between the engaging piece 102 andthe latching bracket 56. When the adjustable hook 103 is removed fromthe recess 57, the user can grab the first handle 96 and press the frontportion 16A up and backwards, bringing the folding top assembly 10 intothe open position. To bring the folding top assembly 10 back into theclosed position, the user can reach back and grab the second handle 97and bring the front portion 16A forward to the closed position, engagethe adjustable hook 103 in the recess 57, and press the locking bar 104towards the latching bracket 56, thereby securing the folding topassembly 10 to the vehicle 100. The folding top assembly 10 is notlimited to latching to the vehicle 100 and can be assembled to thevehicle 100 by other securing and attaching means such as velcro,zippers, buttons, fasteners, or tie-downs.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrates another embodiment of the latching bracket56 attached or fastened to the attachment mount 52, which also engageswith a latch 101 mounted on the vehicle 100 to lock the folding topassembly 10 in the closed position. The latching bracket 56 in thisembodiment is similar to the embodiment above except that the latchingbracket 56 has a catch 58 that extends outwardly instead of the recess57 to engage with the adjustable hook 103 of the latch 101.

Referring to FIG. 17, when the adjustable hook 103 is engaged and heldwith the catch, the locking bar 104 is pressed towards the latchingbracket 56 to tighten the engagement between the latching hook 103 andthe latching bracket 56 as well as covering the engagement for a cleanappearance.

A seal 85 can also be provided to form a snug fit between the foldingtop assembly 10 and the vehicle 100 and help minimize or prevent dust,dirt, moisture, or other contaminants from entering the vehicle 100through the opening 12. For example, when the folding top assembly 10 isin the closed position, the user can pull on either the first or secondhandle 96, 97 thereby compressing the seal 85 and latching the foldingtop assembly 10 to the vehicle 100 via the latch 101 and the bracket 56.The seal 85 is provided in the interface between the folding topassembly 10 and the vehicle 100. The seal 85 can be fixed to the foldingtop assembly 10 or the vehicle 100, or a separate component sandwichedbetween the top assembly 10 and the vehicle 100.

FIGS. 18-24 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a folding frameassembly 17 for use with a vehicle 100 in the different positionsdiscussed above. Embodiments of the folding frame assembly 17 caninclude any of the features discussed above or below, and should not belimited to the particular embodiments discussed. For example, featuresof one embodiment can be combined with features of another embodiment.The particular modifications shown in FIGS. 18-24 will now be discussedin detail, and features not discussed will be understood to be similar,or identical, to those discussed above. Some or all of the modificationsdiscussed below can be incorporated into the above disclosure.

In some embodiments, the aft bar 60 can be formed of asingle/unitary/integrally formed piece along the front and sides of thefolding frame assembly 17, as compared to the multi piece structurediscussed above, forming a general U-shape. Thus, the side sections 101and the front section 109 of the aft bar 60 can be formed by a singlepiece of material. This can make the aft bar 60 similar in shape to theu-shaped front links 40. The single piece structure can help reducemotion of different pieces with respect to one another, thereby reducingor preventing strain between different pieces. Further, there is lesslikelihood of accidental motion upon the application of forces.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21A, in some embodiments the aft bar 60 can bebowed upwards on both the side sections 101 and the front section 109 sothat the center of the sections 101/109 is higher than the respectiveend points. Thus, all portions of the aft bar 60 may not reside on thesame plane. The bowing can be generally in the center, as shown in FIG.21A, or can be in a different location, and the particular location ofthe bowing does not limit the disclosure. This bowing can advantageouslyallow for water (e.g., rain, snow) or solids (e.g., leafs, dust, dirt)to more easily, and in some cases automatically, roll off the sides ofthe folding frame assembly 17 when the soft cover 15 is attached. Forexample, by having the bowing in both directions, water will typicallyroll off the sides, thus preventing any water buildup which could damagethe soft cover 15. Further, the bowing can prevent buildup of the waterand/or solids on top of the roof, which could cause the soft cover 15 tobend inwards into the vehicle 100. In some embodiments bending may occurinstead of bowing, and the particular dimensional changes do not limitthe disclosure.

In some embodiments, an additional support piece 110 can be used onand/or in connection with the side sections 101 of aft bar 60, shown inthe enlarged view of FIG. 21B of the first side 111 of the support piece110. The support piece 110 and aft bar 60 can be connected throughscrews, latching, adhesives, and the particular methodology does notlimit the disclosure. As shown, the support piece 110 can generally flaton its outer and upper surfaces. This can provide for a supportingmechanism for the soft cover 15, and can also give the soft cover 15 aparticular shape along the support piece 110 that can provide pleasingaesthetics. Moreover, the support piece 110 can include a channel 113 onits inside surface. The channel 113 can extend the length of the supportpiece 110, or can extend partially down the length of the support piece110 and the particular length does not limit the disclosure. As manysoft covers include a tab or rod on its front end, the channel 113 canaccept and retain such a tab or rod to hold the soft cover in place onthe folding frame assembly. For example, the channel 113 can lock, snap,or otherwise contain the tab or rod, providing for further structuralsupport to the soft cover 15 and preventing the soft cover fromaccidently coming off the folding frame assembly 17. In someembodiments, the channel 113 can include a snapping mechanism to attachto the soft cover 15. In some embodiments, the soft cover 15 can betucked into the channel 113. Thus, the support piece 110 can provide foran easy connection between the soft cover 15 and the folding frameassembly. Further, the support piece 110 can advantageously provide agap between a door of a vehicle 100 and the soft cover 15, preventingthe soft cover 15 from catching during the opening or closing of thevehicle door.

In some embodiments, different collars 120 (also known as clamshellcollars) can be used to hold and/or connect the different portions ofthe folding frame assembly 17 and can replace the collars 34 describedabove. Advantageously, collars 120 can prevent the aft bar 60, inparticular front section 109, from rotation within the collars 120 whichcan cause damage or misalignment to the folding frame assembly 17. Insome embodiments, the collars 120 can be formed of two generallyopposite pieces that “clamp” onto the aft bar 60 (or other component).As the collar 120 halves are generally mirror images of one another,they can be formed to have an internal channel only slightly bigger thanaft bar 60, thus gripping onto aft bar 60 upon closure.

In some embodiments, the attachment between the front links 40 and rearlinks 30 and frame supports 20 can be different from the embodimentsdiscussed above. The attachment component can be shown clearly in FIG.22. As shown, the links 40/30 can include an attachment component 130which straddles the aft or forward tabs 25/27 coming up from the framesupport 20. By straddling, the attachment components 130 provide for amore secure connection and allow for even pressure to be exerted ontothe tabs 25/27 of the frame support 20, reducing or preventing anybending of the tabs 25/27. Additionally, the straddling of theaft/forward tabs 25/27 prevents unwanted rotation and/or torqueing ofthe front and rear links 40/30 on the frame supports 20.

In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 20, the front links 40 andrear links 30 can be attached to the frame support 20 at differentdistances from the base 21, so that there are different heights h1 forfront links 40 and h2 for rear links 30. As shown in FIG. 20, h1 issmaller than h2, and the particular difference does not limit thedisclosure. As the rear and front links 30/40 can have approximately thesame length, this change in attachment height can cause the center linkassembly 18 to be generally sloped downwards, e.g., towards the vehicle100, when in the open position. Thus, the center link assembly 18 is notflat and parallel with the roof of the vehicle 100. This slope canprovide a number of aerodynamic/wind advantages when the assembly 10 isin the open position. Thus, drag can be reduced when the assembly 10 isopen, providing for improved gas mileage.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that inventivefolding vehicle tops and related methods are disclosed. While severalcomponents, techniques and aspects have been described with a certaindegree of particularity, it is manifest that many changes can be made inthe specific designs, constructions and methodology herein abovedescribed without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure.

Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context ofseparate implementations and/or “some embodiments” can also beimplemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely,various features that are described in the context of a singleimplementation can also be implemented in multiple implementationsseparately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, althoughfeatures may be described above as acting in certain combinations, oneor more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, beexcised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as anysubcombination or variation of any subcombination.

Moreover, while methods may be depicted in the drawings or described inthe specification in a particular order, such methods need not beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and thatall methods need not be performed, to achieve desirable results. Othermethods that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in theexample methods and processes. For example, one or more additionalmethods can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between anyof the described methods. Further, the methods may be rearranged orreordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of varioussystem components in the implementations described above should not beunderstood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and itshould be understood that the described components and systems cangenerally be integrated together in a single product or packaged intomultiple products. Additionally, other implementations are within thescope of this disclosure.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements,and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intendedto imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way requiredfor one or more embodiments.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generallyintended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,”“about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent avalue, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, orcharacteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves adesired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is withinless than or equal to 10% of, within less than or equal to 5% of, withinless than or equal to 1% of, within less than or equal to 0.1% of, andwithin less than or equal to 0.01% of the stated amount.

Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanyingdrawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not belimiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown arecontemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed inventions.Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarilybear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of thedevices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/orrearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature,aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element,or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in allother embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognizedthat any methods described herein may be practiced using any devicesuitable for performing the recited steps.

While a number of embodiments and variations thereof have been describedin detail, other modifications and methods of using the same will beapparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, it should beunderstood that various applications, modifications, materials, andsubstitutions can be made of equivalents without departing from theunique and inventive disclosure herein or the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A folding top assembly for covering an opening ofa vehicle, the folding top assembly comprising a folding frame assemblyand a cover attached to the folding frame assembly and the vehicle, thefolding frame assembly comprising: a frame support including a base; arear link rotatably coupled to the frame support, so as to rotate abouta first axis of rotation, the rear link having a first end opposite theframe support from the first axis of rotation; a front link rotatablycoupled to the frame support, so as to rotate about a second axis ofrotation, the front link having a first end opposite the frame supportfrom the second axis of rotation; and a cover support extending fromadjacent a first side of the cover to adjacent a second side of thecover and rotatably coupled to both the rear link and the front link,the cover support is movable between a closed position and an openposition; wherein the cover spans between the first end of the frontlink and the first end of the rear link; wherein in the open position,the opening is exposed and the cover folds upon itself; and wherein inthe closed position, the opening is covered.
 2. The folding top assemblyof claim 1, wherein the cover support is sloped downwards from back tofront in the open position.
 3. The folding top assembly of claim 1,wherein the rear link comprises a pair of rotatable arms and the frontlink comprises a pair of rotatable arms.
 4. The folding top assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the folding frame assembly comprises a parallelogramlinkage.
 5. The folding top assembly of claim 1, wherein the first axisis further from the base than the second axis.
 6. The folding topassembly of claim 1, wherein the cover support comprises a single-piecebar configured to form aft and side perimeters of the folding frameassembly.
 7. The folding top assembly of claim 6, wherein thesingle-piece bar is bowed on both the aft perimeter and side perimeters.8. The folding top assembly of claim 6, further comprising a pair ofcover attachment components connected to the side perimeters of thesingle-piece bar, the cover attachment components each having a channelconfigured to retain a portion of the cover.
 9. A method for using acover and folding frame assembly covering an opening of a vehicle, themethod comprising: unlatching the folding frame assembly; rotating arear link about a first axis of rotation at a base of a frame supportattached adjacent the opening of the vehicle, the rear link having afirst end opposite the frame support from the first axis of rotation;rotating a front link about a second axis of rotation at the base of theframe support, the front link having a first end opposite the framesupport from the second axis of rotation; rotating a cover supportassembly coupled to both the rear link and the front link, the coversupport assembly being movable between a closed position and an openposition; wherein the cover spans between the first end of the frontlink and the first end of the rear link; and moving the folding frameassembly backwards to expose the opening and fold the cover upon itself.10. The method of claim 9, wherein moving the folding frame assemblybackwards comprises moving the cover support assembly to the openposition such that the cover support assembly is sloped downwards fromback to front.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein moving the foldingframe assembly backwards comprises rotating a pair of rotatable arms ofthe rear link and a pair of rotatable arms of the front link backwards.12. The method of claim 9, wherein moving the folding frame assemblybackwards comprises rotating a parallelogram linkage backwards.
 13. Themethod of claim 9, wherein unlatching the folding frame assemblycomprises unlatching a single-piece bar forming aft and side perimetersof the folding frame assembly.
 14. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising attaching the cover to the folding frame assembly using apair of cover attachment components each having a channel configured toretain a portion of the cover.